Spring at last! It is so hard to believe we are in the final marking period of the 2017-18 school year! As “spring fever” sets in it is a good time to review school expectations. We have been doing that quite frequently in the classrooms, in the cafeteria, on the playground and on our buses! We would greatly appreciate your reinforcement of our school motto: ​“Be Safe! Be Responsible! Be Respectful!

As we move towards our final marking period, our expectations for learning and behavior still remain high. April 18 - May 1 is the spring MAP testing window for our first and second graders. Please be sure that your child/ren are well rested and present at school during this time. Talk with your child about good test taking strategies such as taking his/her time, paying close attention, listening to and/or reading all text and answer choices, and most importantly, doing their best!

Enjoy the beauty and the amazing bright colors of Spring!

Mrs. Forrest

Second Step lessons and language help our students and staff to maintain our school motto. Please talk with your child/ren about the following Second Step language and steps, See what they can teach YOU about the following:

Skills for Learning​: Focus Your Attention, Listen, Be Assertive and Use Self Talk

How to Calm Down​: Stop/Use Your Signal, Name Your Feeling, Calm Down/Take Deep Belly

Breaths

Problem Solving Steps:

S - Say the Problem

T -​Think about solutions (safe and respectful)

E - Explore Consequences (What could happen if….)

P - Pick the best solution/Make Your Plan

Understanding Personal Space

One way to Be Safe, Responsible, and Respectful to concentrate on “personal space” which encompasses keeping hands and feet to self. The basic concept of "personal space" is an important social rule. It's a simple idea--each of us has an ‘invisible bubble’ around us where we feel safe, and if someone crosses into it we become uncomfortable.

Here are a few ideas you can use to practice at home:

Space Spin & Tag

This activity is helpful for introducing the concept of personal space and works best with an individual student or a small group. Have students spread out their arms and spin slowly two or three times. Explain that the circles are their personal spaces. If they get so close to another person that they would be hit by that person's arms when they spin, they have invaded that child's personal space. Tell the students that you will play a game of tag, but instead of touching the other person, you only have to enter their personal space for them to be "it." Play tag for several rounds so all the students get a chance to be "it."

Space Spin

Have your child stretch out his arms out straight on both sides, and turn him slowly in place, in a complete circle. Explain that this area is his "personal space." Now you do the same and demonstrate "your" space. This helps the child to visualize what the space "looks" like. Now put your arms down at your sides and have your child slowly walk toward you. Tell him to stop just before he thinks he has reached the edge of your personal space. When he stops to make his guess, raise your arms out straight and slowly turn in place. If you bump him with your arm, he has to try again. "Nope, you've invaded my personal space and you're cast out of the galaxy!"

It is hard to believe that we are already thinking about registration for the next school year!!!!

To register children for school a parent/legal guardian must go to the school district that they live in, the following documents are required to register:

1. Copy of Parent/Legal Guardian Photo ID

2. Copy of Child’s birth certificate

3. Copy of Child’s Social Security Card

4. Copy of Immunization records

5. Copy of Health inventory completed by child's doctor within last 6 months

6. Copy of Proof of residency (mortgage/rental agreement, electric, water or sewer bill, current within the last three months. Telephone bills, cable bills, and driver’s licenses are NOT ACCEPTABLE proofs of residency.

Spring Weather Reminder:​

Now that spring is “in the air”, please makes sure students are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather. Please also remember to place a seasonal change of clothes in book bags or backpacks in the event of any accidents!

Eastern Elementary and Ruth Ann Monroe families in need of emergency food may visit The School Food Pantry located at Eastern Elementary. All visitors MUST enter through the main office and show PHOTO ID at Eastern Elementary to receive a pass to the pantry. Each family may visit only once per month.

When: THURSDAYS, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Where: EASTERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Compliments of the Maryland Food Bank

Coordinated by Title I Parent Involvement